The Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol – Experiencing Nature Firsthand

Discovering the National Park around the Ortler Cevedale Massif

One of the largest nature reserves in Europe, the Stelvio National Park extends from the Ortler Cevedale Mountains in South Tyrol to the Italian-speaking provinces of Trentino and Lombardy. To the northwest it borders on the National Park in Switzerland and on the Parco dell'Adamello to the south. The entry is free and the national park is accessible around the clock.

A variety of indigenous plants and animal species inhabit the Stelvio National Park, extending across more than 53 km2. In the pristine mountain valleys at 600 m, the meadows and forests on the lower reaches of the mountains give way to a stark and rocky terrain which rises up to 3,900 m, punctuated only by the warm rays of the sun and the whistles of the marmots. From above the tree line, climbers marvels at the grand spectacle, the silence and a sense of tranquillity.

Conservation in the National Park

This high mountain natural reserve is home to several animal species, such as deer, ibex, chamois, eagles and vultures. The vegetation is also diverse, with rare plants such as the edelweiss and glacier buttercup surviving in this habitat. In the Stelvio National Park, the waters of the glaciers are vital to the plant and animal world, as well as humans. To ensure the supply of water into the future, the human inhabitants of the National Park region help to sustain their environment through their traditional and ecologically-conscious way of life. Their local produce has a high value and is made using traditional methods.

Amidst the Ortler Cevedale Mountains lie ten valley communities, which help to ensure the preservation of the Stelvio National Park. The people of Stilfs/Stelvio, Prad/Prato, Glurns/Glorenza, Taufers im Münstertal/Tubre in Val Monastero, Mals/Malles, Laas/Lasa, Schlanders/Silandro, Martell/Martello, Latsch/Laces and Ulten/Ultimo do their utmost to preserve the continuity and diversity of this splendid region by engaging in sustainable activities such as small-scale agricultural, hosting sporting events as well as soft tourism.

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